The House of Representatives has constituted a bipartisan conference committee to harmonise areas of difference between the versions of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill passed by both chambers of the National Assembly.

According to Daily Trust, the development was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday morning by the spokesman of the House, Akin Rotimi.

Rotimi explained that the decision was communicated through an internal correspondence from the Clerk to the House of Representatives, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria, following a directive from the leadership of the Green Chamber.

According to the statement, the committee is chaired by the Chairman of the House Committee on Electoral Matters, Rep. Adebayo Balogun.

Other members of the panel include Reps. Fred Agbedi, Sada Soli, Ahmadu Jaha, Iduma Igariwey Enwo, Saidu Musa Abdullahi, and Dr. Zainab Gimba.

The conference committee has been tasked with engaging its counterpart from the Senate to reconcile differences in the provisions of the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill.

The exercise, according to the House, is aimed at producing a harmonised version of the bill for final passage by the National Assembly.

“The conference committee is mandated to engage with its counterpart from the Senate to reconcile the differing provisions in the Electoral Act (Amendment) Bill, with a view to producing a harmonised version for final passage by the National Assembly,” the statement read.

The House of Representatives reaffirmed its commitment to advancing electoral reforms targeted at strengthening transparency, credibility and public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.

The move, the lawmakers noted, underscores the determination of the National Assembly to improve the legal framework guiding elections in the country.

Naija News understands that the Senate had earlier constituted its own conference committee to work with the House in harmonising the bill.

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, on Wednesday announced Senator Simon Bako Lalong as chairman of the Senate committee.

Other members include Senators Niyi Adegbonmire, Mohammed Tahir Monguno, Adamu Aliero, Orji Uzor Kalu, Abba Moro, Asuquo Ekpenyong, Aminu Abbas and Tokunbo Abiru.

The joint effort by both chambers is expected to fast-track the legislative process and ensure the emergence of a unified Electoral Act amendment that reflects the consensus of the National Assembly.